Library’s past president reflects on lifetime of patronage

Thursday

Oct 25, 2012 at 3:15 AM

By Marilyn MitchellSanford News Guest Columnist

Since its doors first opened in 1937, Goodall Library has grown and evolved. I had the pleasure of speaking with Lawrence Furbish, one of the individuals who treasures this library and has invested his time, wisdom and energy into its well being.

Upon meeting Lawrence, some of the adjectives that come to mind are energetic, enthusiastic, genuine and appreciative. His pride in Sanford runs deep, as he shares that his family has lived in Sanford since 1780. As a child he loved to read and loved this building, the Louis B. Goodall Memorial Library. He remembers “mammoth elm trees on Main Street” and in “front of the library” by what used to be the main entrance. He recalls the Summer Reading Programs with a different theme each year.

He likes mysteries and history and recalls how he loved “Treasure Island,” by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson. Back in 1883, when Stevenson wrote this book, I wonder if he ever realized how he would spark the spirit of adventure in so many children over the next century.

It is evident that reading was a big part of Lawrence’s life, as he shares a most delightful story from back when he was in Boy Scouts. Someone had given him a box of about 25 “Hardy Boys” books, and he was incredibly happy, as it was a favorite series of his. He visited Goodall Library all through junior high and high school. He remembers “eventually being allowed in the Reference Room, and that was special.” He also grins and laughs as he recollects how librarians would kid him about taking out “another Shakespeare play.” Reading and his love of books have continued throughout his life. He shares with me a picture of his own extensive home library. I can only say it appears to rival the study of Mr. Sherlock Holmes at his flat on Baker Street.

The library was important to Lawrence, and he would later find ways to “give back” to it. For six years, he served on Goodall Library’s board of trustees; from 2009 to 2011, he held the position of its president. During his tenure, he also served as chairman of the library’s facilities committee, a most vital role which includes the responsibility of maintaining the building itself. In fact, the beautifully redecorated Community Room I am currently sitting in, a warm and graceful room that calms the soul yet inspires the mind, is the fruit of Lawrence’s efforts while chairing this committee.

Lawrence also serves on the board of directors of the Sanford-Springvale Historical Society. He is someone who cares dearly for his library, his community, and its history. He is an individual who is introspective, yet involved in life, family and helping others, sharing knowledge and pursuing interests — even apiculture, as he takes on the role of beekeeper. I hope you have the good fortune to chat with him someday, as I did, perhaps at the library. No doubt you will walk away enriched.